ABE Transport: A Journey of Entrepreneurship and Determination

Story and Photos by Jonathan Turner
Loan Product: Small Business Loan

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Yendoupabe Tindan's journey as a business owner is a testament to perseverance, ambition, and the power of community support. His entrepreneurial success was made possible, in part, by the support of Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation.
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Tindan's previous experience as a truck driver working for his father’s business, laid the foundation for his aspiration to launch his own company. After meeting his wife, Tindan moved to Iowa and continued working toward his dream.

Tindan’s journey into business ownership began with the acquisition of his own semi-truck and the launch of his trucking company, ABE Transport, in 2023. He named the company after himself, using the first letters of his middle name (Augustin), his wife’s name (Bene), and their daughter’s name (Emmanuelle). He was able to finance the truck through a traditional lending institution but needed additional working capital to sustain his growing business. On the recommendation of his financial institution, BankORION, he reached out to Bridge Investment Community Development Corporation for assistance.

Tindan met with Bridge loan officer Frank Perez to discuss his need for a working capital loan during his startup phase. Recognizing the challenges of starting a trucking business and its critical role in the supply chain, Perez recommended that he apply for Bridge Investment’s Microloan Program in fall 2023. “This loan helped me a lot to start this business,” Tindan said. “The bank recommended Bridge Investment, and they gave me a chance to achieve what I love to do. I thank God because I already paid it off.” The Bridge loan enabled him to purchase the truck trailer.

Tindan parks his truck at the Flying J truck stop in Davenport, Iowa. He initially drove a truck for John Deere, making deliveries to and from Chicago. Now operating nationwide, ABE Transport hauls goods for Dsons LLC, mainly delivering to grocery stores across the country. “I go to New York, Colorado, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana – anywhere,” he said. He strives to get home every weekend to see his wife and daughter. With his first loan fully repaid, Tindan continues to plan for the future. “If you work for yourself, you have to think about how to make more money and spend less,” he said. “You have to take care of your truck and trailer.” He hopes to expand ABE Transport by purchasing a second truck, further growing his business and creating new opportunities in the trucking industry.

Tindan isn’t stopping at trucking—he has a long-term goal of earning enough money to attend engineering school. “I want to one day have a company like John Deere,” he said. Bridge Investment played a key role in Tindan’s early success, filling a gap where traditional lending institutions couldn’t. His story highlights the impact of CDFIs in supporting small businesses with the resources needed to drive success and independence.